Today we are going to talk about that all elusive 'happiness'. I want you to take out a clean sheet of paper in your mind ... it can be college or standard ruled, and number it 1-5 ... you can use blue or black ink. Then I want you to write down five things that make you happy on that list. Take your time, I'll wait.

I'll get a cup of coffee ................................................. Do you have your five things? Was it hard to come up with those five things? Now I'm going to throw a curve ball at you (those that know me should know it couldn't be just that easy ha ha). I want you to take a big black marker and cross any of the following off your list, if you have them: Friends, Family, Kids, Loved ones, Your job (because you are lying, its the paycheck you love not the job), and Sobriety, as it is a give to be happy. Do you have anything left on your list? Do you think that might be part of the issue with becoming happy?

You must learn to find happiness inside yourself, and not rely on outside sources to give you that happiness. If you just rely on outside sources, which are fleeting and temporary, you are setting yourself up for more 'suffering'. This is a Buddhist idea, and I strongly suggest that you read up on their way of thinking. Keep in mind that you DO NOT have to become a Buddhist to apply some of their thinking.

I'll give you a few examples of happiness that comes from within: Enjoying a sunrise or sunset, walking in the woods or on the beach, singing, playing or listening to music, writing, drawing or painting, practicing or playing a craft/trade/sport, napping in a hammock, enjoying a cup of coffee, etc.

Learn to apply THESE things in your life and both life and recovery will BOTH become easier!

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Who am I?

I have been called "Sirthinkalot" and "The mender of souls." I am an addiction specialist and a full-time psychology student on the way to Dr. Davis in clinical psychology. I am currently crusading for the expedited paradigm shift in addiction recovery!